While it's fairly niche stuff, Sir Neville Cardus' autobiography is full of the graceful prose that made him world famous as both a cricket and music writer. Especially vivid is his memory of being a dirt-poor little boy in Manchester at the turn of the 20th Century. Be you a history buff, cricket lover or fan of classical music, or even none of those three, this is a delightful book written by a most thoughtful and philosophical man.

If you doubted the legend of Kathleen Ferrier here is proof positive of her unique artistry and singular personality. A shooting star of a contralto who took the breath away from the sternest of critics.

Here are Neville Cardus, John Barbirolli, Benjamin Britten, Gerald Moore and others paying their final tributes to "Kath" - who so tragically died at 40, in 1953. If you've never heard this woman sing, punch up some of the wonderful bargains offered on this site. You'll never stop thanking me for it.